The Catherine Desourdy School Garden Mentor Program (SGM) is a program of University of Rhode Island Master Gardener

Program based at the URI Extension Outreach Center. The goal of the SGM Program is to help Rhode Island and surrounding area

schools provide relevant learning environments to foster deeper understanding of natural sciences, food systems, environmental

stewardship and other STEAM concepts.

Catherine Desourdy School Garden Mentor Program

EXTENSIONOUTREACH CENTER

Towns currently participating in the Catherine Desourdy School Garden Mentor Program:

The SGM Program is a free service, contingent upon volunteer staffi ng ability.

Schools are provided with a team of one to two certifi ed URI Extension Master Gardener volunteers who have each completed additional training to qualify as a School Garden Mentor (SGM). Their mission is to assist your school in determining and reaching your school’s own gardening goals, to facilitate year-to-year gardening continuity, and to be the on-going conduit for science-based gardening advice and the many free resources available to your school through URI Cooperative Extension. The primary goal of the

SGM is to provide gardening advice to the school’s gardening group and encourage teachers to utilize the garden as an outdoor classroom.

For more information, visit web.uri.edu/mastergardener

CoventryNorth Kingstown

ExeterCranston

East ProvidenceEast GreenwichWest Warwick

South KingstownWesterly

HopkintonNarragansett

RichmondPawcatuckPortsmouth

NewportBarrington

BristolProvidence

Swansea, MAStonington, CT

Berkley, MA

We have the tools to help you plan your garden, troubleshoot problems and keep up with the latest research-based techniques. Here are five resources to help you along the way:

Attendees will gain practical knowledge about growing food crops and composting with food safety in mind during the school year, and will have a choice to venture outside for in-garden learning or stay back and learn how to design your school garden from scratch.

http://web.uri.edu/ceoc/sgc/

Snap a photo with your smartphone and send it to the URI Gardening and Environmental Email Service at gardener@etal.uri.edu. Trained URI Master Gardeners will help you

identify plants and troubleshoot problems in the garden. You can also call the Hotline directly at 1 (800) 448-1011, or walk in for free pH soil testing and in-person consultation.

The RI Native Plant Guide is an interactive online tool for gardeners and green industry professionals. Search: Over 350 species native to Rhode Island Create: Plant lists based on desired attributes and conditions Find: Where plants are available for purchase

http://web.uri.edu/rinativeplants/

Choose from a variety of vegetable, flower and herb seed packets, generously donated by Ocean State Job Lot and sorted by URI Master Gardener volunteers. Seed order form due 2/28/2016.

http://web.uri.edu/ceoc/2016-free-seed-program/

@URIOutreach @URIOutreach @URIOutreach